# Crisis in the Middle East: A Failure of Imagination

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/moody-s-talks-global-economy-unwrapped-6951211/crisis-in-the-middle-east-a-failure-of-imagination
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/moody-s-talks-global-economy-unwrapped-6951211/crisis-in-the-middle-east-a-failure-of-imagination.md
Podcast: [Moody’s Talks - Global Economy Unwrapped](https://stenobird.com/podcast/moody-s-talks-global-economy-unwrapped-6951211)
Published: 2026-05-01T12:52:28+00:00
Episode link: https://moodys-talks-asias-economy-unwrapped.simplecast.com/episodes/crisis-in-the-middle-east-ojINUkE9
Audio file: https://afp-922722-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/ea1d6274-03d0-4e85-af2d-cb1f6dea4757/episodes/f69d7a40-3fad-4f5d-b4d8-9f0db7955e7b/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=ea1d6274-03d0-4e85-af2d-cb1f6dea4757&awEpisodeId=f69d7a40-3fad-4f5d-b4d8-9f0db7955e7b&feed=AnfwVm9y
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Duration seconds: 3160

## Resource

Gala Riani, Head of Strategic Intelligence at SRM joins Gaurav, Suren and Barbara for an in depth conversation that explores the continued crisis in the Middle East. The discussion explores how the conflict has shifted from a military confrontation to an economic campaign, with a focus on U.S. strategy, Iran’s internal political dynamics, and the growing role of economic pressure and blockades. Riani offers sharp insights into Tehran’s decision-making, divisions within the regime, the influence of external actors such as China and Russia, and the prospects for negotiations. The episode also examines the outlook for the Strait of Hormuz, oil markets, and regional stability, weighing scenarios ranging from de escalation to renewed conflict. Gala tells the GEU that we are at greatest risk from what we fail to imagine.

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## Transcript

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